Measles prevention does not rely on Vitamin A. Experts clarify the actual functions of this supplement.
Measles cases have recently surged in the United States, with over 1,000 confirmed cases across multiple states. To combat this outbreak, many people are turning to alternative treatments like vitamin A supplements, encouraged by recent comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
To shed light on the effectiveness of vitamin A supplements and other potential treatment options, we spoke to three medical and public health experts. Here's what they had to say:
Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
While vitamin A is crucial for vision and immune system function, it does not offer any preventative benefits against measles. However, the disease can cause vitamin A deficiencies, worsening the symptoms. In such cases, two doses of oral vitamin A can be beneficial for treatment, particularly for children under age 2.
What about budesonide and clarithromycin?
Claims praising budesonide and clarithromycin for treating measles have raised concerns within the medical community. Budesonide, a steroid, and clarithromycin, an antibiotic, have limited or no evidence supporting their use as standard treatment for measles. Ganjian emphasized that further research is required to determine their role, if any, in measles management.
How to protect yourself against measles?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people who develop a measles rash to isolate from others for four days. To prevent measles altogether, get vaccinated, especially in areas experiencing outbreaks, such as western Texas and New Mexico. Unvaccinated children should also be vaccinated, as they are at risk for severe cases of measles.
"Vitamin A is used when a patient already has measles and is not a preventive measure. Therefore, there's no indication in this era to take Vitamin A to prevent measles," Gandhi said.
Cod liver oil, which contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, should be used with caution due to the potential for vitamin A toxicity. Exceeding daily recommended levels can result in liver damage, skin and bone fragility, headaches, and other symptoms[1][2].
Current measles vaccine recommendations:
- Infants should receive their first dose at ages 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6.
- Older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should receive one to two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, each at least 28 days apart.
If you're uncertain about your vaccination status, consult your doctor.
[1] World Health Organization (2020). Vitamin A supplementation for the prevention of measles morbidity and mortality. https://www.who.int/elena/titles/ott/96317820/en/[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021). Measles: Treatment. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp/treatment.html[3] Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2016). Vitamin A for severe measles. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD000051.pub5/full[4] National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements (2021). Vitamin A. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/[5] European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2015). Vitamin A and the implications for child health and development: opportunities and challenges in the 21st century. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4475465/
- Measles cases have surged in multiple states, with over 1,000 confirmed cases in the United States.
- People are turning to vitamin A supplements as an alternative treatment for measles due to recent comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- While vitamin A is crucial for vision and immune system function, it does not offer any preventative benefits against measles.
- Vitamin A can be beneficial for treating measles in cases where it causes deficiencies, particularly for children under age 2.
- Claims praising budesonide and clarithromycin for treating measles have raised concerns within the medical community due to limited or no evidence supporting their use as standard treatment for measles.
- For people who develop a measles rash, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends isolating from others for four days.
- To prevent measles altogether, get vaccinated, especially in areas experiencing outbreaks.
- Unvacinnated children are at risk for severe cases of measles and should be vaccinated.
- Cod liver oil, which contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, should be used with caution due to the potential for excessive intake causing liver damage and other symptoms.
- The first dose of the measles vaccine should be given to infants at ages 12-15 months, and the second at ages 4-6.
- Older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should receive one to two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, each at least 28 days apart.
- If you're uncertain about your vaccination status, consult your doctor.
- In terms of science and health, education and self-development, and personal growth, it's essential to prioritize nutrition and mental health as part of a healthy lifestyle.
- Nutritional supplements, such as vitamin A, are important for maintaining good health, but should be taken carefully to avoid toxicity.
- Investing in personal finance, business, technology, and education can help support a healthy lifestyle, improve mental health, and provide overall well-being.
- While the surge in measles cases is concerning, it's essential to keep up-to-date on general news, including crime and justice, politics, entertainment, sports, and weather, to maintain a holistic approach to personal growth and wellness.
